Tree mapping app urges people to log species
GREEN Party Councillor Lourda Scott is launching the first Wicklow wide Tree Mapping project to encourage people to log and identify trees in their area with an easy to use app (Curio.xyz).
Everyone in the community can get involved and add to the information we have about our trees.‘I’m delighted to be launching this project in collaboration with Blessington Allotments,’ said Cllr Scott.
‘Everyone knows the benefits of trees to our environment. From woodlands to trees on our streets and estates, every tree has an important role to play in adding to the planet’s health and to our own health and well-being as well.
‘However, up until now we have very little information about how many trees there are in the county, what types are there, where they are and where are the deficits.
‘It’s like a health check on trees and we are relying on community involvement to get this project off the ground.’
Dónal Mac Cormack from the Blessington Allotments Campaign said: ‘Wicklow is home to woodland, forests and trees in urban areas that span a few years to hundreds of years old. This is an activity that children at home can easily get involved with to help us find out more about the varieties of trees throughout Wicklow.’
When someone sees a tree that catches their eye, they can take a picture of the tree, including bark and leaves, and the app will log the location.
Families can do ‘Five in Five’ each day; that is find 5 trees to log within your 5km radius every day. If you’re not sure what type of tree you find there are many resources online to help or add the question ‘What Species?’ in the comments section under your tree pic.
‘I was inspired to set this project up by extensive tree mapping work led by Green Party member Geraldine Flanagan along with Bray Tidy Towns,’ said Cllr Scott.
‘It’s really clear to me how passionate people are about trees and I’m contacted on a regular basis regarding questions on felling and tree protection.
‘I hope that by getting the community involved in identifying what trees we have, we will be more engaged in protecting and managing these amazing assets.’